Day 2, 2nd September: Genesis, Matthew, Psalms
Who’s in Charge?
Andy Croft
Today’s readings:
Genesis 2:18-4:16
Matthew 2:1-18
Psalms 2:1-12
Eden is pretty sweet – think about it. Adam and Eve are relaxed and completely comfortable with who they are (that’s what the nakedness symbolises). They got to swing in the trees, ride on the animals and go for walks with God himself.
Often we think that when God’s in charge it’s a trapped life full of regulations – but this picture shows that’s not true not. It’s a garden full of ‘yes’. A garden full of freedom. A garden where God rules.
The problems start when Adam and Eve decide to take charge. This moment is called ‘the Fall…’ and it’s symbolised by them eating the fruit.
It’s strange because you’d think that in taking charge they’d go up in the world not down, normally when someone takes control in a business it’s a promotion… why isn’t it called ‘the Raise’?
It’s called the fall because Adam and Eve lose everything good. They are banished from the Garden (Gen 3:23), they are no longer at peace with themselves (that’s why they make the clothes, Gen 3:7), and their relationships with each other breakdown (see them blaming each other). It sinks even lower with their kids – Cain actually kills Abel…
The world around us is a fallen world. People aren’t at peace with each other or themselves. What happens when we reject God and try to take charge ourselves isn’t freedom. It’s slavery. We get trapped by insecurity, by selfishness, by other people.
The amazing thing is that as Christians we get to walk back into freedom. Each day when we turn to God we grow a little in the peace, security and life he offers us. God’s moved into our lives and so Eden is growing again in us!
Today we can know more of this peace by allowing our lives to become a place where God rules… Look at the magi – they got it right. They bowed before Jesus their king. Herod on the other hand was so desperate to be in control he killed babies. Hmmm… I’m not that’s the sign of a man who knows peace and freedom…
God rules (check out Psalm 2, this is the point it’s making). People think freedom is ignoring him – how wrong that is! Ignoring him only leads to slavery… As strange as it can sound it’s bowing before him that brings true freedom.
What areas of your life do you need to lay before him again? Do think about it for a moment. Then why not offer them to him, give him control, and know the freedom that flows from that…
